What is the MQ-25A Stingray and what does it do?

The MQ-25A Stingray is an unmanned carrier-based aerial refueling aircraft developed by Boeing for the U.S. Navy. It is designed to extend the combat range of carrier-based jets such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye by providing in-flight refueling support.

How was the MQ-25A controlled during its second test flight?

Boeing and U.S. Navy flight operators issued commands through the UCAMS MD-5 ground control station located at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Illinois. The aircraft then autonomously managed its propulsion system and onboard subsystems based on those commands.

Why is the second test flight significant for the MQ-25A program?

The successful second test flight confirms continued steady progress in the MQ-25A's development, validating the aircraft's autonomous flight capabilities and its technical feasibility for eventual integration into carrier strike group operations. Boeing and the U.S. Navy will proceed with further testing and evaluation.

MQ-25A Stingray Unmanned Tanker Completes Second Test Flight

The U.S. Navy's first MQ-25A Stingray unmanned carrier-based tanker has successfully completed its second test flight. Boeing and Navy flight operators issued commands via the UCAMS MD-5 ground control station at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, with the aircraft autonomously managing its propulsion system and onboard subsystems throughout the flight.

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Highlights

The U.S. Navy's first MQ-25A Stingray unmanned carrier-based tanker successfully completed its second test flight, marking a key development milestone.

Flight commands were issued remotely via the UCAMS MD-5 ground control station at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Illinois, operated jointly by Boeing and U.S. Navy personnel.

The MQ-25A autonomously managed its propulsion system and onboard subsystems after receiving ground commands, demonstrating high-level autonomous flight capability.

The MQ-25A is designed to provide aerial refueling for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to extend carrier strike range.

Boeing and the U.S. Navy will continue subsequent testing and evaluation following the successful second flight.

MQ-25A Stingray Unmanned Tanker Completes Second Test Flight

The U.S. Navy's first MQ-25A Stingray unmanned carrier-based aerial refueling aircraft has successfully completed its second test flight, marking another significant milestone in the program's development.

Remote Command via Ground Control Station

The test flight was conducted jointly by Boeing and U.S. Navy flight operators, who issued flight commands through the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UCAMS) MD-5 ground control station located at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Illinois.

Stable Autonomous System Performance

Upon receiving commands from the ground station, the MQ-25A autonomously managed its propulsion system and various onboard subsystems, demonstrating a high degree of autonomous flight capability. This series of autonomous control performances validated the technical feasibility of the aircraft operating in a carrier environment during future operational deployments.

Program Background

The MQ-25A Stingray is an unmanned carrier-based aerial refueling aircraft developed by Boeing under contract with the U.S. Navy. It is designed to provide aerial refueling support to carrier-based aircraft including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, extending the combat radius of carrier strike aircraft. The program represents a key component of the Navy's efforts to advance unmanned carrier aviation capabilities, and the aircraft is expected to be integrated into carrier strike group operations in the future.

The successful completion of the second test flight marks continued steady progress in the MQ-25A's development and testing program. Boeing and the U.S. Navy will continue subsequent testing and evaluation activities.

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